Unveiling the Ultimate Dream Home on a Prestigious Global Golf Haven

The concept of a dream home varies for everyone, but not many would imagine their ideal property situated within a prominent sports venue. Although having a renowned golf course as a neighbor may seem perfect for passionate golfers, the idea of golf balls flying towards windows and unfamiliar individuals roaming around the garden is less desirable for the majority of individuals.

Across the pond

Rebecca Burchell faced a difficult choice. Having found stability and happiness in the idyllic town of Beaconsfield in southeast England, her family had dedicated a decade to establishing a fresh existence after leaving Ponte Vedra Beach in Florida's Jacksonville area in 2007.

Design by Nichols Architects / Photo by Mike Butler

Michael Jordan's highly secretive and supremely exclusive personal golf course has an intriguing backstory. Burchell, a certified realtor, dedicated her time as a governor at a nearby school while her teenage kids, Emma and Liam, enjoyed their education there with utmost contentment.

Burchell told CNN that the decision to move back to Florida was extremely challenging after originally making the transatlantic switch due to her husband's career in the global relocation industry.

"But when it comes to my spouse, like we all experience in life, sometimes you have to follow the opportunities for work and financial stability. It was particularly challenging for Emma when she relocated at the age of 18, as she didn't have any acquaintances there. On the other hand, Liam (13), although it was heart-wrenching to leave, quickly joined a new school and instantly formed friendships."

The Burchell family moved from the US to the UK and back again.

Rebecca Burchell

With the aim of enrolling Liam in a prestigious school, Burchell's attention turned towards Ponte Vedra Beach, the neighborhood she grew up in. Utilizing her expertise in real estate and property renovation, she felt right at home in her pursuit.

The search for a suitable property unfolded rapidly, with Burchell swiftly attending twenty house viewings, some of which lasted no more than a minute.

"When I evaluate a house, it takes me merely 30 seconds to decide whether it's a yes or a no," Burchell expressed.

"Regardless of the property, I first assess the front, then swiftly move on to the backyard, bypassing the interior completely. If the backyard doesn't meet my expectations, I simply dismiss it."

Love at first sight

But there was no quick exit when Burchell stepped out onto the lawn at Sawgrass Players Club, which is home to 1,900 properties, making up 16 neighborhoods across 1,200 acres.

Waterways - teeming with fish, turtles, and the occasional gator - meandering alongside meticulously maintained greens, while herons and eagles gracefully descend from the heights of towering pine trees; Burchell was instantly captivated by the "breathtaking" backdrop of the community.

The setting was an instant draw for Burchell.

Rebecca Burchell

Burchell's attention was fixed on Seven Mile Drive, a neighborhood in the second-highest price range at Sawgrass Players Club. The properties on Seven Mile Drive are valued between $1.4 and $2.5 million, which is slightly lower than the extravagant estate homes on Sawgrass Island, priced at $2.5 to $3.5 million.

According to Burchell, being just a five-minute drive from the coastline makes the properties on Seven Mile Drive even more valuable, with the lowest-priced ones starting at $700,000.

More than 80% of the 117 properties along Seven Mile Drive are situated around the outskirts of the Dyes Valley Course. This magnificent golf course is the result of the combined vision of renowned designers Pete Dye, Bobby Weed, and Jerry Pate, the winner of the 1982 Players championship. Spanning adjacent to the TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course, this remarkable facility has consistently hosted numerous professional events since its inauguration in 1987.

A host of properties border the fairways and greens of the Dye's Valley Course.

Rebecca Burchell

The Burchells chose to purchase a residence situated beside the cart path, right in the center of the first fairway. This location positioned their garden and pool within the landing zones of approximately 10 golf balls per week. However, Mr. Burchell viewed this as a minor inconvenience that is expected when living on a golf course.

Issues would emerge only when an audacious golfer would venture into the Burchells' garden without obtaining permission, thereby risking the anger of their cautious rescue dog towards strangers.

"I couldn't believe it - Shell would totally attack you. She's definitely not a friendly dog!" Burchell chuckled.

"It's just something you come to expect with the balls in the garden. A few people have even had their windows shattered, but surprisingly, I've never heard anyone complain about it."

Burchell's dogs were wary of trespassers.

Rebecca Burchell

Community

After moving a few doors down to a house with a view of the third green, the Burchells have enjoyed two years without a single golf ball landing on their property. Working from home presents its challenges, with the laptop often competing for attention against the serene sight of golfers skillfully putting and the constant presence of wildlife. This includes the remarkable sight of baby herons emerging from a nearby nest and pelicans swooping down into the water hazards in search of their next meal.

A bird perches to watch a golfer putt during the 2013 Web.com Tour Championship at the Dye's Valley Course.

Located in Sawgrass Players Club, Burchell swears by the mesmerizing view as the main allure. However, it's not the sole attraction of this vibrant place. The community boasts a wide range of amenities, including a swimming pool and a children's play park, which serve as the pulsating center for residents.

The expansive recreation complex at Players Park features softball and soccer fields, basketball and beach volleyball courts. It also serves as the host for annual events and festivals like Springfest and the movie-themed Flicks in the Field. Connecting all of this is the impressive 77,0000-square-foot TPC Sawgrass clubhouse, designed in a Mediterranean style. The clubhouse is equipped with various dining options, a gallery, and a golf shop.

The clubhouse, pictured during the 2011 Players Championship, is the focal point of the community.

Scott Halleran / Getty Images

"Its just a really tight community," Burchell said.

"I enjoy playing tennis, and my husband is also a tennis enthusiast. As a result, we have cultivated a close-knit community of friends who share our love for the sport. Additionally, we appreciate the social aspect of our lifestyle, which is enhanced by the presence of nearby restaurants and a clubhouse.

Interestingly, golf does not hold a significant position in our list of priorities. While my husband does play golf, the convenience of having two exceptional championship courses nearby is overshadowed by the expenses associated with playing the sport."

The Stadium Course charges anywhere between $450 to $650 per person per round, depending on the time of year. On the other hand, for a round at the Dyes Valley Course, players will need to spend at least $175 for 18 holes.

Because of these high fees, Burchell's husband prefers playing at The Yards, a recently renovated golf club. Here, residents can enjoy a more affordable option, with fees starting from $57.50 to play all 12 holes. Additionally, The Yards also offers tennis courts and a specialized facility for the emerging pickleball community.

The Yards offers residents a cheaper option to tee it up.

Rebecca Burchell

Players party

Burchell is unable to find any negative aspect, except for one that is quickly countered. This primarily relates to the annual Players Championship, often referred to as "the fifth major." The significant arrival of this prestigious sporting event brings not only great excitement and attention but also substantial traffic congestion.

For one week every March, gridlock takes over the city, but the residents have devised a clever survival plan. It's like a golfing version of doomsday prepping: in the days leading up to the tournament, locals rush to gather necessities before settling in for the duration of the event, refusing to leave their designated spot.

Fans flock to the iconic 17th island green at TPC Sawgrass to watch Tiger Woods at the 2018 Players Championship.

Richard Heathcote / Getty Images

The community enjoys a week of non-stop festivities, providing a sense of sheltering in its lightest form.

Locals have the opportunity to have private seating at the course, granting them a front-row seat to witness the world's greatest players. In addition, there are concerts, a military appreciation day, a ladies day, and various other events that take place throughout.

Scottie Scheffler from the United States triumphantly raises the trophy in celebration of his victory at THE PLAYERS Championship held on March 12, 2023. The intense final round took place on THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in the scenic location of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. This memorable moment was captured in a photograph by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images.

Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Scottie Schefflers 88-year-old grandma walks every hole of his dominant Players Championship victory

"It's simply an enormous celebration," Burchell remarked.

"Folks commence their imbibing at 8 a.m, enjoying the course throughout the entire day. Following the tournament, everyone returns to this location to prolong the festivities, and then we repeat the process again the following day.

"The weathers beautiful … its just a great fun week."

Its a lifestyle that has helped provide a tonic to the soreness of leaving behind close friendships in Beaconsfield.

Burchell's daughter has recently graduated from the University of Florida and is now pursuing her dream career in the horse industry. As a result, life on the golf course has been exceptionally satisfying for the family. Burchell expressed his delight, stating, "It's absolutely amazing. We couldn't have chosen two better places to live."